Belize’s Imports Jump 21.3% in June, Exports Decline

Belize’s merchandise imports climbed to $275.8 million in June 2026, a 21.3% increase from June 2025, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize’s latest External Trade release. Imports rose across nearly every commodity category, with only “Other Manufactures” declining for the month.

Mineral Fuels and Lubricants drove the largest increase in June, up by $15.2 million to $48.2 million, driven by higher world fuel prices and the return of premium fuel purchases after a year without them. Food and Live Animals rose $12.1 million on higher coffee and grocery imports, while Chemical Products climbed $9.8 million on costlier fertiliser purchases.

For the first half of 2026, total imports reached $1.651 billion, a 19.1% increase over the same period last year, led by a $92.8 million jump in fuel imports and a $60.7 million rise in machinery and transport equipment, including an aircraft purchase.

Meanwhile, domestic exports fell 7.9% to $26.0 million in June. The largest declines came from citrus products, of which its export earnings fell by $10.1 million, followed by sugar, down $8 million, and cattle exports, which dropped $4.2 million. Banana and red kidney bean exports also recorded lower earnings. 

Not every sector struggled. Marine products generated an additional $3.2 million on stronger prices and volumes.

Over the first six months of 2026, exports totalled $166.6 million, down 12.7% from 2025.